Impending Government Shutdown Will Not Stop Medicare Payments

September 30, 2013

Barring a deal at the eleventh hour, the federal government will shut down effective midnight tonight, October 1, 2013.While the looming government shutdown will affect non-essential government employees and services, payments for Medicare and Medicaid services will still be made.

The Medicare program is considered to be mandatory funding, meaning that it is not subject to annual appropriation bills which regulate government spending.However, even though Medicare claims will still be processed and payments will still be made, the impending shutdown could bring delays.

While it would not be surprising if a deal to avoid a shutdown is ultimately struck today, the political gridlock enveloping Washington does not look overly promising for a deal.Ultimately, however, while there may be a delay in the processing of Medicare claims, payments will not be disrupted and will still be made.

ADVOCATE will continue to monitor this fluid situation, and will provided updates as they become available.